Unsurprisingly, Marley’s answer was not an answer that Connor deemed appropriate explanation for her touching him. More surprisingly, apparently this is what constituted flirting in Marley’s twisted little mind. Of course, her idea of establishing a friendship also involved trying to commit murder with disgusting Muggle orange cheese plastic, so it had been clear from the outset that Marley was perhaps not all there. Or in this particular moment, too much there. Connor wished he could Apparate, leaving Marley behind, and then transfer to Hogwarts and never see her again because Merlin why was she flirting with him and who had decided that this was an appropriate way of flirting?

“I, er,” Connor began, his nerves frayed. He wanted to be polite. He had to be polite. It was important to be polite. So he smiled tightly. It was the best he could do. “Have not experienced anything like this, no.” He wondered if anything he said to Claudia would count as flirting. They were dating, but had kept their relationship very appropriate for their age and standing. Connor certainly would never touch Claudia without her permission, and absolutely would not ask to do something like touch her hair. “And no, I do not like - being touched,” he said, steeling himself before reaching over and moving Marley’s hand farther away from him, to emphasise the point. He quickly retracted his hand and considered wiping it on his robes. Who knew what kind of germs this girl had?

Unsure of what to do about Marley’s promise to flirt with him in a different way, Connor smiled again. “And it really isn’t necessary to - I am already perfectly assured of my feelings towards you,” he said diplomatically. It really was the nicest way of telling Marley he was disinterested, and it was far nicer than the ill-mannered girl deserved.

Connor moved his beans into a neat pile in front of him, pointedly not looking in Marley’s direction. Perhaps she would now take the hint and leave him alone. Perhaps she had learned to take hints. Perhaps he could accidentally turn his face a different colour and have to go to the medic.

And she actually did it , wow. Marley was so impressed with herself. Her hand wasn’t even shaking, although her heart was doing a loud bongo-like thumping, and that was definitely something to be... more

How does disappearing into a cloud of smoke sound to you? - Connor,Tue Oct 31 11:57

Connor’s confirmation that he hadn’t done much flirting before, either, was not only accompanied by a small smile of his own, but in turn met with a more enthusiastic smile from Marley. Oh, phew !... more

As suddenly as Connor thought he had the situation under control, it spun so far out of the realm of his imagination that he didn’t have time to realize it before things got Very Bad. He hadn’t... more

Connor didn't immediately agree that yes a date would be marvelous, great idea Marley, you're marvelous too , but he also didn't immediately say no never , so she supposed that his silent staring and ... more

Although Aaron had been wandering around the room at the start of class, answering questions, he had since let the students get on with their projects without his constant hovering. If they needed... more

Connor had barely had the opportunity to take a deep breath when he heard Marley outside the door. Why had she followed him? His eyes were wide as he looked around the bathroom contemplating the best ... more

The great thing about Mister Aaron was that he was not only super nice, but he was also a super good pay-attention-er. (Was there a real word for that? She didn’t think so, but even if there was,... more

Marley stepped back and let the door swing shut, so that was one fewer thing that Aaron had to do. She was still bouncing, clearly invested in the situation, but at the very least she was giving poor ... more